Keeping crime free at Christmas

We are working hard over Christmas to keep you and your family safe, but there are steps you can take to help us.

When you're out shopping:
•Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
•Keep valuables in inside pockets of clothing or bags.
•Only carry the cash and cards that you need. Always shield the PIN pad when entering your PIN.
•Avoid going back to your car to leave your shopping part-way through your trip. If you have to keep presents in the car, make sure they are out of view in the boot, the car is locked, and keep the receipts with you.
•Never leave your bag unattended on your trolley whilst shopping and don’t leave it in your vehicle when returning your trolley.

At cash machines:
•If you see anything suspicious alert the bank or call the police on 101.
•Shield the keypad when typing in your PIN at a cash machine or in a shop.

When you’re out for the evening:
•NEVER leave your things unattended.
•Avoid walking home alone and never with someone you don’t know well.
•Check your taxi driver’s ID and never get into an unlicensed taxi.

At home:
•Don’t leave presents under your Christmas tree if they are visible from windows or doors.
•Never keep large amounts of cash at home.
•Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
•Keys should always be kept out of sight and not left in doors or in view of windows.
•Make your house look occupied, use a timer switch to operate lamps as it starts to get dark, leave a radio on.
•Don’t open the door to anybody you don’t recognise. Not sure? Don’t open the door!

Criminals know that many households have new and often expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays especially items such as new tech such as tablets or laptops, mobile phones, music systems, televisions, cameras and other electronic equipment. In many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other rubbish.

Register your property securely and free of charge on the national property marking database www.immobilise.com